
Free Academy. Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. The Artists who conquered Paris
Starting date: May 3, 2025
Key Points
- 4 lesson of 45 mins duration + final questions/talking
- Professional teaching stuff: Final survey for check your training level
- You will have Access to On Demand course lessons Recordings
- Final certificate of participation for participants who will attend all lessons
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Course Description
Sergei Diaghilev was more than an impresario – he was a visionary who transformed ballet into a modern art form. This series explores his extraordinary life, the legendary dancers he nurtured, and the groundbreaking collaborations that made the Ballets Russes a cultural phenomenon. From his personal journey and artistic ambitions to the stories of prima ballerinas and iconic male dancers, we will uncover the human drama behind the stage. The final lecture celebrates the composers, artists, and designers who shaped the Ballets Russes’ unmistakable style, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire dancers and creators today.
Lesson 1 - Sergei Diaghilev: The Man Who Revolutionized Ballet
May 3rd, 2025
This lecture explores the life and legacy of Sergei Diaghilev, from his early years in Russia to his rise as a pioneering impresario in the West. We will examine his personal life, his passion for the arts, and his career as the founder of the Ballets Russes. By producing legendary ballets such as The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring, Diaghilev reshaped the world of dance, bringing together the greatest talents in choreography, music, and visual arts. His influence extended far beyond ballet, leaving an indelible mark on modern art and culture.
Lesson 2 - Prima Ballerinas of the Ballets Russes: The Women Who Shaped a New Era
May 10th, 2025
Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes gave rise to some of the most celebrated ballerinas of the 20th century. This session delves into the lives and careers of Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina, and Ida Rubinstein, among others, exploring their contributions to dance and their collaborations with Diaghilev. Their stories—filled with artistic triumphs, dramatic departures, and enduring legacies—highlight the evolution of ballet during this revolutionary period.
Lesson 3 - Legends of the Stage: The Male Dancers of the Ballets Russes
May 17th, 2025
Lesson 4 - A Symphony of Art: The Composers, Artists, and Designers of the Ballets Russes
May 24th, 2025
Replay Lessons
Free Academy - Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes Lesson 1 - 2025-05-03T18:55:32Z.mp4
Free Academy - Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes Lesson 2 - 2025-05-10T19:00:20Z.mp4

Tutor: Anna Levina
Anna is an expert historian and licensed tour guide with a passion for cultural exploration and storytelling. A licensed guide in St. Petersburg, Russia, she made the difficult decision to leave her hometown due to the Russo-Ukrainian War and her strong stance against her country's government. She moved to Israel where she became a licensed tour guide for the Holy Land as well.
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